Is your fake fur really cat fur?

By ANDREA THOMPSON -

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There have been whispers for some time about the increase in dog and cat fur entering the global fur chain. But last week’s news finally blew the lid off the scandal. And those naïve enough to believe that this is an isolated incident are in for a wake up call.

In America importing cat and dog furs into the country has been outlawed since 2000. But in the UK – a nation famed for its animal lovers – there is no law banning the import of cat and dog fur at all, making it even more likely that a similar scandal could emerge.

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But with most high street retailers and several top designer brands moving production to China in a bid to keep costs down, how long will it be before a major UK fashion chain is caught out? And when a cat pelt, can be bought in china for less than two dollars (compared with $6 for a dog) it is not suprising that many retailers turn a blind eye to its origins.

Cat fur is soft and luxurious enabling it to be passed off as any number of more expensive furs. While German Shepherd is the most popular breed of dog because its long fur so closely resembles that of wild animals such as coyote or racoon. Labrador and Alsatian pelts have also been found.

Recent figures reveal that China slaughters over two million cat and dogs every year to satisfy Western demand - supplying 50% of the fur in America. “How much of this is cat and dog pelt is impossible to tell but official figures reveal that 5,400 cats and dogs are slaughtered across China every day with the majority shipped to the West- someone has to be buying them,” adds Glover.

Now, I'm not a vegetarian.  And yes, I do wear leather.  I mean, hello, Uruguay Steaks!!

BUT, I don't wear fur.  Not even my vintage fur... because, honestly, it probably IS cat!  And, as I have 3 cats and a dog.. well.. I'd rather keep them as pets, not in my closet.

So, just think about it